Depending on the context, the pronoun can sometimes be omitted in written language if the text remains fluent – the pronoun is in spoken language practically always used, though in different (mentioned above) dialectal variants. (cf. the usage of te, “you” (pl.))

As in many other European languages, the second person plural te is used in formal contexts or when addressing an unfamiliar elderly person (see teititellä). However, this custom is not anymore as usual as elsewhere in Europe in everyday life – there is from time to time discussion whether this custom is inconvenient in modern society. However, a safe way to start conversation with an unfamiliar person, especially with an elderly person, is saying "te".

In addition to the standard set of cases, sinä and the other personal pronouns have a specific accusative form, in this case sinut. This form would have been the nominative plural form of the first stem, if the word were not a personal pronoun.